This half term, we have started our new art unit- printing. The children began by using different resources to experiment printing and creating repeated shapes. They had a lot of fun and did really well. 
This half term they will be learning how to create a repeated, printed pattern whilst learning about the artist Orla Kiely. 

This half term, the PE curriculum for Year 2 is all about dance!
We will be working towards grooving our moves in our Christmas production, but today the children were working on learning a choreographed routine to one of my favourite party bangers - Reach for the Stars.
The children were very focused on trying to remember the moves and dance in time with the beat. This routine was learnt and performed within one lesson and I think you'll agree that they really are superstars. 

This half term, the children have worked really hard on their glockenspiel skills and have learnt a short melody to an instrumental part in the song. It is still so tricky to play alongside singing but I am sure they will manage it this year! Here is a little clip of their hard work. 

Today, the year 2 children finally made their boats. These boats have been weeks in the making. They have planned the materials, brought them in from home and designed their boats before making them today. They used different containers made from different materials and cellotape, glue and bluetac to construct a boat with a sail. I saw some sparkly boats and even one with a window and a slide! Lots of our boats floated and we all sat together to test them. The children were really supportive of each other which was lovely to see. Well done year 2, they might be soggy now but they did the job!

​Wow – what a busy and exciting time we’ve had in Year 2!
This week in RE we’ve been learning all about Diwali, the Festival of Lights. We found out that Diwali is a very special celebration for Hindus. It’s all about light winning over darkness. People celebrate by decorating their homes, sharing sweets, wearing colourful clothes, and lighting diva lamps.
We had a go at making our very own diva lamps – and didn’t they turn out amazingly?
First, we shaped the clay carefully with our hands. Some of us found it a bit tricky, but we kept going and made lovely little bowls. Then we decorated them with bright colours and patterns using sequins and beads. They really do look ready to shine!
When we put all our lamps together, the classroom looked so bright and cheerful – just like Diwali itself.
We’re so proud of our learning and our creations. Maybe you can spot yours in the photos!
Happy Diwali from Year 2!

Today, the children enjoyed using our new KS1 glockenspiels. We started learning a small part of our new song and the children really focussed and tried hard. I'm sure in a few more weeks they will be able to do this independently. Scroll down to see a small video.
​Well done year 2.  

Our Maths unit for the first few weeks of term is focusing on understanding numbers to 100.
Yesterday we practised counting!
We counted up to 100, using our fingers to keep track.
We counted how many star jumps we could do in 30 seconds.
We were then given collections of objects to count. We had to agree the number with our partner and write it down. Mrs Ellis and Mrs Senior were very impressed with the way we organised the objects to keep track while we counted.

Our Art unit this half term focusses on drawing and the amazing artist, Alma Thomas. Alma Thomas was an artist who loved using bright colours and shapes to make her paintings look happy and full of energy. 
The children in year 2 are building up their skills ready to create some beautiful, colourful Alma Thomas inspired drawings in the next couple of weeks. This week they focussed on using pencil to create repeating patterns. They made a shape drawing using small repeated shapes separated by small gaps. The effect was brilliant! I can't wait to see what their finished pieces will look like. 
Here are some photos of our focussed artists. Well done year 2!

As part of learning in our Design and Technology, Food unit, the children in Year 2 designed and made some tasty healthy wraps.
They learnt about different food groups and tried to achieve a balance of these in the wraps.
We finished our unit with a wonderful teddy bear's picnic in the sunshine.